Pauley Jones Funeral Home - Harlan, Avoca and Denison, IA, 1304 9th Street P O Box 70, Harlan, IA (2026)

03/09/2026

Teresa Clara Kruse

Teresa Clara (Pfeifer) Kruse, the 10th of 13 children of Clara (Weber) and Leo Pfeifer was born on November 29, 1925, on the family's homestead near Spalding, Nebraska. Teresa attended 1st through 8th grade at a country schoolhouse near Spalding, earning straight A's. Following graduation in the midst of the Great Depression, rather than attend high school, Teresa was needed more at home. There she helped her family and earned extra money by cleaning houses in town. Much later when she was living in Harlan, she was able to go back to school and earn her GED.

At age 18, Teresa's sense of adventure took over, resulting in visits with her sister Mary Ann in Denver for two summers, where Teresa worked as a nurse's aide. She then moved to Omaha and attended beautician school, earning her license and beginning a career that spanned most of her life.

While working in Omaha, she met the love of her life, Harley Kruse, at a local dance at the Sokol Dance Hall in 1948. Teresa and Harley were later married at St Michael's Catholic Church, in her hometown of Spalding, Nebraska, on a cold and blustery winter day on February 15, 1950. It was a double wedding, shared with her sister Carol, who married June Kershaw. Despite the overnight snow storm, the church was full, and the following reception and wedding dance were filled with double celebrations!

Teresa and Harley began their married life on a farm near Logan, Iowa, where Karen and Paul were born. Later the family moved to a farm near Avoca, Iowa where they were joined by two more babies, Jim and Cliff. Teresa became all that a farmer's wife was expected to be: busy raising kids, helping in the fields and the barns with sheep, hogs and chickens, all the while tending to a big garden and hosting huge daytime dinners featuring fried chicken for the hired help at harvest time.

After ten years of farm life, Teresa and Harley decided to move to Harlan where Harley began Kruse Trucking, a successful venture that supported the family through retirement. Teresa worked for a local beautician in Harlan for two years until the family purchased their own home on Walnut Street in Harlan, a home with two front doors, one of which became the entrance to Terri's Beauty Shop. Teresa spent decades in that shop, styling clients' hair and listening to their stories, all the while taking calls for Harley's business and attending to two more babies, Gene and Jon. Raising six kids must have been interesting, indeed, keeping track of babies, grade schoolers and teenagers, all at the same time.

Teresa always loved to dance, and once the oldest four were out of the house and on their own, Harley and Teresa took dancing lessons, which led to an active social life, meeting new friends while enjoying dances in neighboring towns. Teresa was notorious for dragging out sons, sons-in-law, and especially grandsons onto the dance floor. She was like the Energizer Bunny, wearing out many a dancing partner. Teresa took great joy in dancing at the weddings of all six of her children, and also the weddings of twelve of her grandchildren! Luckily, Harley also loved dancing: in fact on the double headstone they designed, above Harley's name is a dancing couple, and above Teresa's name is a rosary.

Teresa was indeed a very devoted member of the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Harlan and was active in the Ladies Catholic Guild, helping plan and hosting receptions for families following funerals. She was also an active member of a prayer & philanthropic group, the Catholic Daughter of America, St Maria Gorretti Court #2498 of Portsmouth.

First and foremost, though, Teresa was a loving Catholic mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, always watchful and encouraging all to stay true to their faith. Missing Sunday Mass was never an option! She was truly a lasting inspiration to her family.

Teresa recently celebrated her 100th birthday, with an early celebration last August at a family reunion in Harlan with extended family and friends. Her children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren joined her again on her 100th birthday in November. She wore her birthday crown well and relished in all the loving attention. When asked how/why she had managed to live so long, Teresa always replied that she believed that God was keeping her here on earth long enough to insure all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren continued on the path to meeting her one day in heaven.

Teresa will be greatly missed by her children and their spouses: daughter Karen (Mick) of Centennial, CO; daughter-in-law Virginia (Paul) of Winterset, IA; son Jim (Shelly) of Waverly, IA; son Gene (Lynne) of Portage, MI, and son Jon (Ann) of Draper, UT; 21 grandchildren and their spouses; 48 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-laws, Marge Pfeifer of LaVista, NE; Jean Pfeifer of Spalding, NE; and Corrine (Mylan) Kruse of Cedar Bluffs, NE, along with numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Teresa was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Harley; son Paul Kruse, son Cliff Kruse; daughter-in-law Karen Ewoldt Kruse; and ten siblings: Agatha (Leonard "Shorty") Hinkle, Mary Ann (Vern) Ede, Michael, James, Carol (Edmond "Jr.") Kershaw; Bernard (Thelma), Edwin (Margaret Ann), Ambrose (Ginger), Frank (Mary Ann), Leo, Clara (Norman) Smith, and George Pfeifer.

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03/08/2026

Larry E. Jacobsen

Full Obituary Pending...

Survivors include his children, Joy (Dean) Krohn of Avoca, IA; Daniel (Mary) Jacobsen of Hilton Head, SC; 6 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren + 1 on the way; siblings, Kay Prine of Council Bluffs, IA; Cheroylene (Jay) Holder of Spring Valley, CA; Lon (Diane) Jacobsen of Avoca, IA.

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03/06/2026

Theresa Mildred Grote

Theresa Mildred Kramer, the daughter of Frank and Cecelia (Schechinger) Kramer, was born on September 2, 1928, and was the middle child of 17 children. The family lived on a farm near Defiance, IA. Theresa was baptized, had first communion, confession, and confirmation at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Defiance.

Theresa attended the Catholic school in Defiance for 12 years graduating with her class of 11 in 1946. As many other young women did, Theresa hired out to help other farmers' wives with various jobs such as childcare, gardening, canning, and other household duties. Growing up Theresa became quite talented with a needle and thread. She often told how people would come to her to get their socks darned because she could do the repair without a knot which could cause heel blisters.

Theresa was born just before the Depression so there were many years of challenges. The 1930s brought dust storms, harsh winters, and droughts. Theresa learned to quilt and sew from her mother. She also helped in the fields alongside her brothers with corn picking (by hand) and driving a team of horses. Entertainment in good weather involved a lot of baseball games with her siblings and cousins. She was quite a talented baseball player excelling at batting, catching, and running the bases. Growing up in The Depression Theresa wore hand-me-downs from her older sisters. When she had daughters, she ensured that she made something new for each one in addition to any hand-me-downs.

When Theresa was a Senior in High School in Defiance, the Panama girls' softball team invited them to come to Panama for a game. This was a big deal because they just never played games in other towns. They loaded up in a couple of cars and drove down to Panama. The parish pastor at Defiance, Father Rosman, was their coach. Six of the girls were seniors and the rest of the team were juniors. Theresa was the pitcher and had quite a number of strike outs. According to Theresa, Panama thought they were going to teach Defiance how to play ball, but Defiance won 26-6. Panama never accepted Defiance's invitation to come to their town for a re-match.

In June of 1949, Theresa met Thomas Grote at a dance (she remembered it as being in Earling, IA). On January 30, 1950, Theresa and Tom were married in St. Peter's Church in Defiance, IA. To this union twelve children were born. They lived on a farm near Dunlap, IA for the first two years and then moved to a farm near Portsmouth, IA.

Theresa was a member of St. Mary's parish, the Catholic Daughters, and the American Legion Auxiliary. Since about 1994 Theresa quilted with the Portsmouth ladies. She served for many years as an officer of the quilt group. She has passed on her know-how for quilting to the new members of the group. In addition to the quilts the ladies completed, Theresa made an untold number of quilts gifted to children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and others. She also crocheted and made other useful items on her sewing machine. She always had to be busy with something.

Life on the farm included leisure time too when neighbors, relatives, or friends would gather and play cards. As a mother of daughters, Theresa taught the girls to sew by hand and by machine or the information was passed on by older to younger. Several of her daughters carry on with quilting or other needlework crafts.

Theresa remained on the farm after Tom died in July 2005. She moved into a house in Portsmouth in May 2010. Theresa loved to travel and took opportunities to go whenever she could. She boasted that she believed she'd been to all 50 states. She had also been to 6 of the 7 continents with Africa as the only one she missed. She often said she never dreamed she would see all those places. In July of 2024, Theresa moved to Hansen House in Harlan where she lived until her passing.

Theresa died in Harlan, Iowa on March 6, 2026, having attained the age of 97 years, 6 months, and 4 days. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Tom, one son John Paul, and all but one sibling.

She is survived by her children: Sharon (Bill) Gaul of Tucson, AZ; Mary Lou Arkfeld and fiancé Bob Gagne of Council Bluffs, IA; Joseph (Kathleen/Kitty) Grote of Meridan, KS; Julia Theulen of Harlan, IA; Ruth (Bob) Perry of Colorado Springs, CO; Donna (Chris) McGinty of Topeka, KS; Rita (Craig) McElfresh of Wailuku, HI; Robert Grote of Harlan, IA; Laura (Dan) Longacre of Orlando, FL; John Henry Grote and his husband Barry Blakeley of Oakland, CA; Lisa (John Sr.) Olsufka, of Shelby, IA; sister Mary Heese of Earling, IA and sister-in-law Marlene Kramer of Omaha, NE; brother-in-law Raphael (Margaret) Grote of Harlan, IA; sister-in-law Hilary Mae Gaul of Melbourne, FL; sister-in-law Betty Grote of Earling, IA; twenty-two grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 7 step great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; other relatives and friends.

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03/05/2026

Juan Carlos Morales

Obituario completo pendiente...

Full Obituary Pending....

Le sobrevive or he is survived by his wife, Yolanda Morales of Denison, IA; children, Jocelyn Morales (Juan Muñoz) of Dow City, IA; Juan Eduardo Morales, and Nataly Juliana Morales both of Denison; grandson, Giovanni Sebastian Muñoz; siblings, Maria Morales of Denison; Osvaldo Morales of Monterrey, Mexico.

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03/04/2026

Carole Jean Thraen

Carole Thraen was born on November 1, 1945, in Harlan, Iowa, to Gerald and Gladys (Knudsen) Grabill. She attended Shelby-Tennant School and graduated in 1964. Though only 4'11", Carole was a forward for the basketball team and was known for her quickness. She also served as a baton majorette for the marching band.

On May 15, 1965, she married Howard Thraen. Together they had two daughters, Stephanie and Prudy. Carole worked at Harlan Community High School from 1975 until 2006, serving as an assistant for the librarian and athletic director. After retiring from the high school, she went on to work at Kountry Kids Care for a few years where she took great joy, caring for the infants and toddlers. Carole was known as a caring, loving, and gentle-natured person who was always there when someone needed her. After retirement, Carole and Howard took several bus tours throughout the United States. They enjoyed these tours greatly because of the new people they met and because they were able to see more of the United States.

Carole enjoyed camping, fishing, baking, traveling, and playing cards. She loved to read and at one time operated a used paperback bookstore out of the basement of her home. Her home often had a variety of baked goods ready for family and friends. Carole and Howard enjoyed camping throughout their lives. They started out camping in tents and later traveled with a camper, often taking their grandchildren along on trips. The family also took summer vacations traveling to many places across the United States. She was a strong supporter of her daughters’ activities, traveling many miles to watch Stephanie sing in the band and to watch Prudy play softball. This support continued with her grandchildren, Justina and Matthew, who she adored.

Carole and Howard also enjoyed traveling to Western Nebraska often. They spent the summer of 1999 working in Western Nebraska which was a summer they greatly enjoyed.

Carole passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Hansen House in Harlan, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Gladys Grabill; husband, Howard Thraen; and great grandchild, Tristyn Ann.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Stephanie Paul of Omaha, NE, Prudy Kloewer (Dan Travis) of Harlan, IA; two grandchildren, Justina Kloewer of Panama, IA, Matthew Kloewer (Kylie Albertsen) of Harlan, IA; one great grandson, Kason; brother, Dennis Grabill of Harlan, IA; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Thraen of Henderson, NV, Gary (Julie) Thraen of Harlan, IA; other relatives and many friends.

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02/28/2026

Patricia (Swanson) Getty

Patricia Louise Swanson, daughter of Herbert and Irene (Stolz) Swanson was born June 20, 1948 in Manilla, Iowa. She was baptized at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manilla and was confirmed at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison, Iowa. She attended and graduated from Denison High School in May, 1965.

After graduation, she married Jon Ebner on June 26, 1965, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison, where on September 3, 1966, their daughter Antonette Maria ‘Toni’ Ebner was born. They moved to Omaha, NE for work opportunities. Pat traveled to Korea about 1973-4 and adopted two young Korean girls, Jamie Marie Ebner and Jill Marie Ebner. In 1989, after Toni graduated from high school, they moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Pat later married Thomas Getty, Jr. on June 1, 1996. They divorced years later. Trish excelled in the insurance industry and was very passionate in her work. She served as CEO and Executive Director of AIRROC where she retired after 47 years.

In Trish’s free time, she enjoyed gardening and had a special love for pink roses. You could also find her reading a book or talking with friends. She truly enjoyed life and had a special love for her family.

She passed away at her home in Alpharetta on Thursday, February 26, 2026, attaining the age seventy-seven years, eight months and six days. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Dr. Matthew Rings, brothers, Richard, Eugene, Darrell, and Jerry; brothers-in-law, Vernon Reis and Richard Brodersen.

She is survived by her daughter, Toni Rings of Atlanta, GA; siblings, Darlene Reis, Judy Brodersen both of Denison, IA; Corrine (Richard) Bogart of Omaha, NE; Gail Swanson of Davenport, IA; sisters-in-law, Carol Swanson and Betty Swanson both of Denison, IA; 36 nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.

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02/28/2026

Pamela Schechinger

Pam was born February 1st, 1950 to Ralph and Ellen Trout in Logan Iowa. At 10 years old Pam was Baptized into the Christian church. Pam had many memories from her grandmother Grace and her beloved aunt Marge who taught her to play the piano. Pam enjoyed many lifelong friends graduating from Lo Ma Highschool in 1968. Pam attended Iowa Western Community College becoming an LPN.

Pam went on her first date with Dave her senior year. She was Baptized into the Catholic Faith and was married at St. Anne's Catholic church on May 23, 1970.

It was in Beatrice that Pam received her greatest joy when Pam became a mother adopting Eric and Tammie. They brought her great fulfillment and satisfaction. Pam loved being a teachers aid in their catholic schools taking great pleasure in teaching them to read. The family fishing trips to Minnesota, the snag that ended up being the biggest fish Pam ever caught.

In 1989, her husband's work took them to New Mexico. Far from family and friends. It was a scary adventure but Pam quickly made friends working as a teachers aid at Sacred Heart. We lived there for almost 30 years. It was a strange dry climate of 8" annual rainfall. Drive 50 miles north and they measured snow in feet.

As her children grew to teenagers, Pam continued her education to become an RN. Pam was a very good student and president of the Phi Theta's Alpha Mu Sigma chapter at San Juan college. Pam pursued her love of writing having two poems published. Unfortunately, her ambition was cut short as Pam fell into deep depression, taking six years out of her life. As Pam recovered, she worked in a nursing home and as a hospice care. Pam truly loved working hospice. Pam firmly believed in angels, feeling angels in the room before a patient passed. When her father died, Pam said there are angels in the room, moments later he passed.

As a nurse Pam loved babies coming into the world. Pam witnessed the birth of three of her grandchildren Kyren, Kyleigh & Brayden. Dustin came later. Pam loved and cherished each of them.

In 2004, we moved to a rural setting. Pam loved the house and the lot was big enough for a shop but it had a pool. Pam loved to entertain, especially grand kids. So having a pool wasn't so bad. A shop was built and it became home to a pink 55 Crown Victoria. Even though Dave did all the work it became Pam's; Pam named her Vicky. Pam loved riding in and driving Vicky. The first time Pam drove it, she tore off throwing sand and gravel leaving tire marks on the pavement heading out of town.

On December 8th 2005, while moving an old stereo, her life changed. A sudden scream, her T8 Vertebra collapsed, Pam's nursing career was over. A kyphoplasty procedure repaired the damage but, the pain persisted. Tests revealed a rare form of Mast Cell cancer causing bone deterioration. Chemo drugs lowered the mast cell count but, there was no cure. Mast cell releases created histamines causing anaphylactic shock. As the attacks increased, Pam went on transitional hospice in 2010. A strong heart enabled her to survive the anaphylactic attacks. As the attacks slowed, Pam got off hospice. Tired from all the chemo drugs, Pam went back on hospice. Miraculously the attacks ceased and were controlled with a low dose of Gleevec, but it was a long, long road to recovery

After Dave's retirement, we moved back to the Midwest. Pam missed the many wonderful people of the southwest. It was a good move for Pam, allowing her to forget the hard times she'd been through and start anew.

A special thanks for all the prayers and wonderful cards from the SCCS children, family and friends. Pam battled cancer and won but it wouldn't leave her alone. The battle ended peacefully on February 27, 2026.

Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Ellen Trout and her older brother, Mike Trout and nieces, Karen Trout and Nicki Proctor.

Pam is survived by her husband of 55 years, David; son, Eric Schechinger of Omaha, NE; daughter, Tammie (Spencer) Anna of Farmington, NM; grandson Kyren Schechinger of Wann, OK; granddaughter, Kyleigh Anna and grandson, Brayden Anna of Farmington NM, Dustin Schechinger of Omaha, NE; sibling, Steven (Marie)Trout of Leavenworth, KS; sister-in-law, Nancy (Mike) Trout; and four nieces.

A special thanks to Father Clement and for all the wonderful cards from the SCCS children, family and friends.

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02/25/2026

Karla Roecker

Karla Georgette (Hartvigsen) Roecker was born on June 25, 1955, in Harlan, Iowa, to George and Sharon (Wohlhutter) Hartvigsen. She grew up alongside her three brothers—Tim, Dan, and Kevin—and held especially fond memories of time spent at her grandparents’ family farm near Kimbalton, IA, as well as playing in the Laurel Elementary School neighborhood and swimming at the local pool. She graduated from Harlan High School in 1973 and went on to build a life filled with love and purpose. She became the proud mother of four children, Zachary, Joshua, Seth, and Emily, and poured her whole heart into raising them, creating a home full of warmth and cherished memories. Throughout her life, her love remained steadfast, and her unmistakable Hartvigsen spirit was ever present—strong-willed, warm-hearted, and entirely on her own terms.. Karla worked many years in the office at Harlan Hy-Vee, Southwest Orthodontics, Myrtue Memorial Hospital, and Iowa Western Community College before her retirement in 2020. In retirement, she continued to work part-time for IWCC’s HiSet Center and found joy encouraging all students to be successful. In her later years, she made the move to Council Bluffs, Iowa, to be closer to her children and grandchildren, a decision that perfectly reflected the woman she was: always choosing family first.

Those who knew Karla knew that she had a gift for making beautiful things. Crafting, quilting and sewing were among her greatest passions. She approached each project with patience, creativity, and love, creating pieces that carried warmth far beyond their stitches. Her connection to the natural world was just as deep. Karla had a love for nature, and she had a particular talent for finding magic in the everyday wonders of her backyard. Friends and family always looked forward to her stories of nature's latest adventures — a visiting bird, a surprising bloom, or some small miracle she'd spotted just outside her door.

But perhaps nothing brought Karla more joy than her 10 grandchildren. She was the kind of grandmother who showed up — truly showed up — no matter the distance. Whether it meant crossing state lines to cheer at a game, attend a recital, or simply be present for a milestone, Karla was there. Her grandchildren never had to wonder if they were loved. She told them so often, signing off with her signature phrase: "I love you a bushel and a peck".

If you asked Karla what her happiest moments were, the answer was always the same: any time everyone was under one roof. Her all-time favorite memory was the Christmas snowstorm of 2009 when the whole family got snowed in together. Rather than frustration, to her there was only joy. For Karla, being stuck together was the best kind of gift. She loved it so much that for her 70th birthday this past June, she asked her family to recreate it — same togetherness, just warmer. It was exactly the kind of celebration that made sense for her: not a party about her, but a gathering of the people she loved most. Karla is survived by her beloved children: Zachary (Erin) Roecker of Denver, CO; Joshua (Sarah) Roecker of Omaha, NE; Seth (Danielle) Roecker of Des Moines, IA; and Emily (Chad) Liechti of Bellevue, NE. She is also survived by her 10 treasured grandchildren: Lauren, Ben, Abbie, Zane, Sylvie, Graham, Ruby, Delaney, Makenna, and Ellison; her brother, Kevin (Tracy) Hartvigsen of Audubon, IA, and nieces, Michaela and Amy. She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Sharon Hartvigsen, her brothers Tim and Dan, and nephew Jake.

Karla Roecker lived a life of quiet, steadfast love. She was the thread that held her family together - present, warm, and unwavering. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Please join us in wearing bright, beautiful colors to celebrate Karla’s life. Interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations will go toward a memorial in Karla’s name.

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02/25/2026

Valeria Nineth Castillo Martinez

She is survived by her mother, Honoria Nineth Martinez Perez and father, Celvin Castillo Lopez; siblings, Camila Castillo Martinez, Anashaleily Castillo Martinez, Celvin Castillo Martinez all of Denison, Iowa; many other family members and friends.

Le sobreviven su madre, Honoria Nineth Martínez Pérez y su padre, Celvin Castillo López; hermanos, Camila Castillo Martínez, Anashaleily Castillo Martínez, Celvin Castillo Martínez, todos de Denison, Iowa; muchos otros familiares y amigos.

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02/24/2026

Michael J. Kaufman

Michael Joseph Kaufman was born on March 15, 1937, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Cecelia (Mueller) and Henry Kaufman. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa, and graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic School, where he built the strong foundation of faith and values that guided him throughout his life.

Following graduation, Michael dedicated 17 years to Squealer Feeds in Harlan, Iowa. He then began his new career with Lancer Labels, where he worked for 22 years. He later continued his work with several printing companies throughout the Omaha metro area until his retirement. Even after retiring, Michael remained active, working part-time as a delivery driver, always valuing the importance of staying busy and contributing where he could.

Beyond his strong work ethic, Michael was a devoted family man and a man of faith. He shared a special and close bond with his two sons, Jerry and Bruce, and cherished the time they spent together. He was a faithful member of Thanksgiving Lutheran Church in Bellevue, Nebraska, where his church family was an important part of his life. He was also blessed with the loving companionship of Marlene Church, who became a cherished part of his life and family for 32 years.

Michael passed away peacefully in Omaha, Nebraska on Friday, February 20, 2026 attaining the age of 88 years, 11 months and 5 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Cecelia Kaufman; son, Bruce Kaufman; and siblings, Joseph Kaufman, Mary Mundt, Frank Kaufman, Helen Reinig, Louis Kaufman, Jenny Weller, Henry Kaufman, Peggy Schwarte, and Theresa Fromm.

He is survived by his companion, Marlene Church of Omaha, NE; son Jerry (Rebecca) Kaufman of Omaha, NE; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

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02/22/2026

Christine Blum

Christine Dora Louise Blum, daughter of Herbert and Alouise (Martens) Quandt, was born on January 27, 1958 in Denison, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, where she remained a lifelong member. She attended Zion Elementary School and Denison Community Schools, graduating with the class of 1977.

On December 6, 1986, Chris was united in marriage to David Frederick Blum at the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, Iowa. Together for 45 years they shared a life of love raising their three children, Angel, Adam, and Alethea.

Just like her mother, Chris was known for being an excellent cook. She had a way of working around her kitchen, baking, and decorating beautiful cakes. She loved entertaining and hosting holiday dinners for her and David’s families. She especially cherished the time she and Dave spent riding their Harley together, enjoying the open road and the special moments side by side. After working as a cook in the Denison Schools and at Something Unique, she retired in 2020.

Chris always had a positive outlook on life and looked for the best in each individual and situation. She will be remembered for her kindness and the deep love she had for her family.

Chris passed away at her home in Denison on Friday, February 20, 2026, attaining the age of sixty-eight years and twenty-four days. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Austin Jepsen, and brothers, Gene and Gary Quandt.

She is survived by her husband, David Blum of Denison, Iowa; children, Angel (James) Jepsen of Denison, Iowa; Adam Blum (LaDonna Diaz) of Ute, Iowa; Alethea (Austin) Tasich of Schleswig, Iowa; 10 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; siblings, David (Lola) Quandt of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Robert (Linda) Quandt of Denison, Iowa; Richard (Cindy) Quandt of So. Sioux City, Nebraska; Steven (Marleta) Quandt of Emporia, Kansas; Herbert Jr. (Sally) Quandt of Denison, Iowa; foster sisters, Debbera Clark of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Kelly Dingman of Longmont, Colorado; other family members and many friends.

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